Deemania since 56

A great backman moved on to the forward line, elite at both ends of the ground. Memory is a big issue for me, at times.

Really strong DA. Great players, all. Yep, Brett Lovett was intended. Sean Wight and Alan J were in my original list and accidentally overlooked around 4-6. I overlooked Yze only because of his frequent forward work. Frawley was good but to me, not as great. Jetta is definitely the best interceptor we have over the past two 'revival' years. Thanks for the comparisons. Always fun...

Really difficult to compare those great backmen of the recent past and to rank them as well; but, it is good to remember them and others who gave the MFC some respect in a difficult 20 years, or so. Here is my ranking, just for interest: 1. Hardeman 2. Steven Icke 3. Danny Hughes 4. Frank Davis 5. Brett Bailey 6. Graeme Yeats 7. Peter Rhode 8. Glenn Lovett 9. Matthew Whelan 10. Jared Rivers 11. Peter Giles There are, incidentally, many more that I really enjoyed watching their skills and efforts for a team that was regularly thumped.

Tom McD is an uncertain starter at this point, as well.

The dilemma continues and many of us will nearly always feel a loss. It is difficult to dismiss Jack now that he has left the Club and many of us wish him well in the greater football world. Now it is time for us sympathisers to heal; Jack has. We must move on with focus on the current bank balance and its possibilities. The problem with being a MFC supporter is that we are loyal as hell, forced to be reminiscent, living histories of neglect and poor decision-making, and consequently unsuccessful at the level of which we dream. Let's do it this time.

And sometimes, one wonders why a Tasmanian team has not be able or permitted to enter the competition - population is not necessarily the reason, yet that would be based upon the holy $1.00 in some eyes. Tassy football, in general, is remarkable to watch if you get the chance. It reminds me of the VFL days - contests are great. Umpiring is very communicative and as a result, proves to be really consistent.

I'd reckon you were correct, Wells 11 (great jumper for the centreman). Frost's game dropped a few clangers but I'd reckon that he is so adaptable that now, most of these would be rare. He should IMO be in that magical '22' and several supporters and members that I have spoken to have raised that point to the extent that he would be their favoured CHB or even Fullback with the current personal down that end. If not, yep, he would be a very high quality replacement and even so 'off the bench'. Depth is pretty wonderful, heh? In the DL piccies of players, there is one of Frosty lifting a weight in training - just a chest, arms and head shot - this photo is intimidating as I cannot think of one AFL player who would not be confronted by landing him as a tall opponent with leg speed and attitude.

Just a personal note of thanks, Binman, to another.

Hiya, Wilbur. Agreed about the bottle fermentation in Cooper's Beer. However, it is three times better if you make it yourself. Cooper's make a ripper series of home brew mixes; have not had a bad one yet. Some are exceptional, such as their APA, Stout and Real Ale. However, I am probably talking to the converted so forgive me. The brews are fine to take to the 'footy' over here - meaning a few bottles slipped into the nearest Foxtel lounge when the Demons are playing on their telecast through Channel 504. Other than that, my home was Melbourne and I must admit, I miss it even after 18 years in Adelaide. Hell of a drive to get to the footy at the MCG, though...

Posited most appreciably, with sound foundations of logic, perception and that deeper understanding of the things of this world. It bound my thoughts with clearer meaning and for that, I thank you. Kind regards...

Hey, over here in Adelaide, there are two clubs that drive you absolutely sick. Port and the Crows. No TV coverage for MFC, no articles in the daily paper, no radio commentary, no nuffin. Loathsome behaviours all of the time from supporters with at least 20 commentators counting every breath of every player in these two sides. They even think that they got a bargain with Watts, Toumpas and the profits from the Lever deal. Yep, hate Essendrug and Carlscum, but these two in proximity are unbearable.

Yep, putting the ball into space is a real forte for Salem; he anticipates a 'run-on' opportunity with great precision and it works to very good effect.

Now that is controversial.

Hell, that is a great consideration. Fits nicely with a total running game to have two feeders in tandem.

Memories fade, SWYL. Can you remind me of: what was the alarm, and Carlscum players' talk with Ratten, broken bones. Just cannot recall these things but a stir of the grey matter may be of assistance, if you wouldn't mind. Kind regards....

Twas a beauty!

Most probably will bag 9 goals against us if he gets to play on OMac. No worries...

There is something in that, Deemented. Never recognised it before but you are definitely correct. Maybe is a 'readiness' thing brought on by training with Port - aligned to mental acuity in order to understand the purpose of the game? Could be wrong but he looks comfortable....

Sniff, sniff ... another Essendon something or other? Sniff, does it stink? Thompson, Salmon, Madden, monetary profiteering, what else?

It does stick in the back of the mind...taking the reckless advantage option too far for most peoples' liking. Good indicators have been the movement of previous Essendon players to other clubs.

I seemed to have received ( in the membership pack ) nearly all of what could be regarded as the 'full kaboodle', as did my wife. These few extra scarves will be good to hand out to others in the extended family who currently do not own one - as nothing is wrong, faded or farnarkled to warrant a replacement of previous largesse from the Club that assists with neck warming at the 'G. At the Club's membership department, I guess that different people do different things on different days and hence, in my case, Vive la Difference!

Watson must return the Brownlow for re-awarding to a more meritorious player that did not take performance-enhancing drugs. Watson, like all others of the affected Essendon players knew he (and they were) was taking such illicit substances as professional sportsmen and this was encouraged and endorsed by Hird at the helm. The AFL would be highly remiss if it did not impose sanctions, as appropriate, to those at Essendon who were identified as using performance-enhancing substances; in fact, there must also be sanctions against Essendon receiving 'sympathy' draft or recruiting rights because of this massive transgression. Courts and international authorities do not get these assessments wrong.

Across this summer season layoff where news of any kind is gold, yet hard to find, I just watched for the sixth time the Demonland Podcast of 'Rare Robbie Flower Highlights' - and it still makes me well-up inside, brings a tear to my eye and forces me to analyse in a myriad of ways just how good he was as a player and a team inspiration. Whilst this is a 'highlights' reel, there is so much of Robbie in this vault across so many games and against such talented opponents - all over the ground - that clearly confirm him as the best player I have ever had the privilege to see. For those who have not seen this podcast, may I strongly recommend it to you. Will there ever be another player this good?

Is there any way to review this game by telecast, highlights reel or similar? Like to see this performance, very much.

The game is now out of our hands, largely. One corporate ticket is worth more to the AFL than 10 general admission tickets - and the fanfare for catering and refreshments and ego-time seems to have surpassed the general principles of spectatorship and team loyalties. In a very short time, footy will be out of the reach of those who made it great with their loyalties and affiliations. If this is going to be the case and in fact, does eventuate, its 'goodbye' from me and 'farewell' from him. All we really wanted was a seat, a beer and a pie with sauce - for two hours per week during the season - or even more occasionally. Shame really, the AFL hierarchy seem to prefer to behave like politicians with their accumulated largess.